Data backup, storage, transfer and retrieval system, method and computer program product

ABSTRACT

A data storage system including a virtual server on a network managing a plurality of user accounts, each user account including one or more files; the virtual server adapted to verify user access information for a particular user account; the virtual server transferring over the network information relating to files stored on the virtual server in the particular user account to a verified user on a user computer; the virtual server further adapted to transfer files associated with the particular user account to and from the user computer.

CROSS-REFERENCE

This application is a continuation application of U.S. application Ser.No. 13/460,107, filed Apr. 30, 2012 and set to issue on Mar. 3, 2013,which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/961,114, filedDec. 6, 2010 and issued on Jun. 5, 2012, which is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 11/879,997, filed Jul. 18, 2007 and issued Dec. 7,2010, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No.11/408,728, filed Apr. 21, 2006 and issued on Feb. 28, 2012, whichclaims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/673,751filed Apr. 21, 2005.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The subject application relates to a system, method and computer programproduct for computer data backup, storage, retrieval, appointmentscheduling, automatic reminder generating, and third-party datatransfer. It is not intended that all of the foregoing objects of theinvention are addressed in any one embodiment of the invention, it onlybeing intended that one or more objects of the invention be addressed ineach embodiment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

With the increasing complexity of today's software and the proliferationof computer viruses, spyware and malware, computer crashes are not anuncommon occurrence. When a user's computer suffers a catastrophiccrash, the computer may not restart properly or the user may discoverthat his hard drive has been damaged or erased. Such permanent damage toa user's files is particularly common where virus or malicious softwareis involved. When such damage occurs, the data on the user's computerwill be lost, unless the user has previously saved the files on otherstorage media other than the local computer's hard drive.

Data can also be lost due to physical damage of the computer or computerdata storage device. Portable computers, including notebook computers,hand held computes such as personal data assistants (“PDA”) and mobiletelephones are particularly vulnerable to physical damage as well astheft. Often loss of the data is more significant than the loss ordamage to the hardware. Accordingly, data storage and retrieval isimportant.

Conventional file backup and storage systems typically involve hardwareand software that copies all files on a computer. The entiredrive—including large programs, hidden files, and other extraneousdata—is typically copied, compressed and then either stored on localstorage media, such as an attached disk or a special partition of theuser's computer hard drive. This process is time-consuming and typicallymust be done when the user is not already using the computer as theconventional backup process will be interrupted when the backup systemattempts to copy a system file that is in use. Further, restoring acomputer from a back-up is a tedious and lengthy process. The difficultyof this process is especially problematic if the user needs immediateaccess to data that was only saved on his damaged computer.

A user may need to access data on a home or office computer when awayfrom his home or office. While a number of programs currently existenabling a user to access data on a remote computer from a secondcomputer, these programs typically require the installation of specialsoftware on both computers to operate and requires the computer to beaccessed remotely to be in particular state. If the home or officecomputer has been powered down or restarted, for example as a result ofan automatic operating system update, the remote-access software willnot be operative and data on the home or office computer will remaininaccessible. While use of portable computers partially resolves thisproblem, such portable devices are frequently the target of theft.

Another common problem is missed obligations, such as driver's licenserenewals, license plate sticker renewals, annual payments and birthdays,just to name a few. Today it is the individual's responsibility to keepup with the many obligations, regardless of notifications by governmentagencies or the like. Even if a notice, e.g. a license renewal, does notreach the individual, he/she is still held responsible. Appointmentbooks in both manual and computerized form are commonly used to calendardates, but these systems are not entirely satisfactory. Furthermore, ifa computer-based calendar is used and the computer is damaged orcrashes, appointments and other dates are lost.

The difficulties of file backup and calendar management are compoundedin a multi-user environment, such as a small business. A smallorganization may use a Local Area Network (LAN) to manage the computers,printers, mail servers and storage devices used by the organization.This requires a significant financial investment in technology and ininformation technology (IT) professionals to support such LANs. If theLAN fails due to a virus or some other cause, the work of theorganization is significantly impaired.

Additionally, if a member of the organization is away from the office'sphysical location, that person may only have limited access to hiselectronic workplace. In addition, if the physical office becomesinaccessible, such as due to a fire, flood, or blizzard or the like, theorganization will have difficulty functioning.

It is an object of the invention to provide a system, method andcomputer program product whereby a user can easily select data to becopied to a system computer, and can also easily transfer data back tothe user's computer once it has been repaired, or to a new computer ifthe first computer cannot be repaired following a crash. It is alsodesirable that the data saved in the system computer may also includeappointments, contact information, emails and other data.

It is also an object of the invention to solve compatibility problemsbetween different types of computers, including PDA's and mobiletelephones, and operating systems as pertains to data backup, storageand transfer.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a data backup,storage and retrieval system, method and computer program product thatoperates without any need to install backup, storage, retrieval, filetransfer, or other application software on the user's computer. It isdesired to have a system that requires only conventional web browsersoftware on the user's computer.

It is another object of the invention to provide a system, method andproduct that can provide reminders to the user of important appointmentsand dates, and whereby the dates and other data are secure.

It is a further object to have a multi-user version of the system,method and product that can host multiple users for backup, data storageand retrieval. A multi-user account is particularly suited for businessapplications where an account administrator could manage the accesslevels of multiple sub-accounts, each sub-account corresponding to asingle user. It is particularly desirable to make the administrator'scontrols as simple to operate as possible so that a person of limitedtechnical skill can manage the multi-user account so that the smallbusiness owner may manage the file system himself without the need fortechnology professionals or a dedicated network. It is also desirable tohave a system where a user can access data from multiple locations andnot be tethered to a single physical location where his primary computeris located. It is a further object that such a system not requirespecial software for the user to access and retrieve his data from aremote location.

It is also desirable to have a system with strong security features toprevent unauthorized access. It is desirable that in addition toverifying that the user's username and password, that the system willconfirm whether the user's location is known to the system, and if not,the system will require further user authentication information.

Finally, it is an object to provide a system, method and product thatquickly enables the transfer of files, especially large files, from onecomputer to another computer over the Internet.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One or more of the above-listed objects are met or exceeded by each ofthe embodiments of the data backup, storage and retrieval system, methodand computer program product disclosed herein. The various embodimentsdisclosed combine ease of use with robust functionality. A systemembodiment of the invention is provided for use by a plurality ofaccount users to copy selected data between one or more account usercomputers and a system computer, each account user computer having astorage device, a display and means for operative connection to theInternet. The system comprises a system computer having a system storagedevice for storing and selectively retrieving data for each respectiveaccount, the system computer being operatively connected to theInternet. The system computer verifies account user identification foreach account user computer seeking access to the system computer via theInternet. Once this identification has been verified, the systemcomputer may further verify that the account user computer is anauthorized computer if access is limited to specific computers. Thesystem computer further scans the storage device of each verifiedaccount user computer and causes a first representation of at least aportion of the contents the verified account user computer storagedevice and a second representation of at least a portion of the contentsof the system computer storage device for the corresponding verifiedaccount to be displayed on each account user computer display. Thisenables the account user to select data files, folders or directories tobe uploaded or downloaded to or from the system computer. The accountuser may also access files stored on the system computer storage devicefrom this representation to be accessed and changed so that thesemodifications are saved directly to the system computer storage device.

A computer program product embodiment of the invention comprisescomputer executable instructions stored on a system computer readablemedium that when read causes one or more computers to execute thefollowing steps: checking for an operative connection between the systemcomputer and a network, and if the system computer is operativelyconnected; linking an account user computer to the system computer basedon an account user identification; scanning the contents of a storagedevice associated with each linked account user computer; scanning thecontents of a partition on the system computer that has been associatedwith the account user identification; displaying a first representationof the contents of the storage device on the linked account usercomputer display; simultaneously displaying a second representation ofthe contents of the partition on the system computer on the linkedaccount user computer display adjacent the first representation; andcopying selected files between the connected first computer and systemcomputer.

A method embodiment of the invention is provided for uploading anddownloading data between a system computer and a plurality of accountuser computers, each account user having a system account and an accountuser identification, the system computer operatively connected to theInternet and capable of being accessed through a system website, thesystem computer having a data storage device capable of storing andretrieving data for each of a plurality of system accounts. For eachuser account, the method includes the steps of operatively connecting afirst computer to the system website via the Internet; communicatingaccount user identification; verifying account user identification andif verified, operatively connecting the system computer and the firstcomputer; uploading selected data from the user first computer andstoring the data on the system computer storage device; operativelyconnecting a second computer to the system website via the Internet;communicating account user identification; verifying account useridentification and if verified; operatively connecting the systemcomputer and the second computer; and downloading at least a portion ofsaid selected data previously stored on the system computer storagedevice for the user account.

The data backup, storage and retrieval functions described above inregard to the system, program and method embodiments enable an accountuser to store and retrieve data between his/her computer and a systemcomputer connected to the account user computer over the Internet. Thedata that can be stored and retrieved includes documents, music files,image files, email and contact information in any file type or format.The system computer is a secure redundant system. If the user's computerfails for any reason, the stored data can be retrieved and loaded onto anew or repaired computer or storage device. All of the software tooperate the system is resident on the system computer. Unlike prior artbackup, storage and retrieval systems, no hardware or software need beinstalled on the account user computer beyond a conventional,Java-compatible web browser, which is now a standard feature on nearlyall computers. Because these conventional Internet tools are utilized,compatibility problems are solved allowing the system of the inventionto function regardless of different hardware platforms and operatingsystems.

Preferred embodiments of the system also contain a scheduler, a contactsmanager, a reminder generator and/or a file transfer system forthird-party users. The scheduler includes the ability to storeappointments for days or months in advance and then to either view,print, download or email a daily schedule to the user. The remindergenerator is setup to track important dates, and generate periodicreminders. The contacts manager stores contact data in an electronicaddress book. All of these functions are resident in the secure,off-site redundant system computer. Accordingly, any damage to theaccount user's computer will not result in lost information. Further,because the system computer can be accessed by an account user from thehome, office or practically any computer having Internet access, thesystem computer can be used as a virtual network server. Thus, forexample, an account user can access and view his/her address book andother data from mobile computers, including notebooks, PDA's and mobiletelephones.

The third-party file transfer system comprises a mechanism for theaccount user to create a second user name and password for access onlyto designated data. Accordingly, the account user can upload data filesand folders to the system computer, and grant access to a third party todownload those files. The account user can create varying levels ofaccess controls for such third-party users and may set, change andrevoke such passwords through an account management portal. The processfacilitates data transfer to third parties, and is particularly wellsuited to transfer files too large for email transmission and folderscontaining multiple files that cannot be emailed as a folder.

Yet another embodiment of the storage and retrieval system of theinvention is directed to a multi-user system where a single account isdivided into sub-accounts. The sub-accounts are managed by an accountadministrator that can set various levels of access for the individualaccount users. Preferably, this account management function isaccomplished using an easy-to-use graphical interface. Further, theaccount administrator can post items to a master schedule that is thenplaced on the schedules of the holders of the sub-accounts.

Further embodiments of the storage and retrieval system of the inventioninclude security features to prevent unauthorized access to the system.Such security features may include limits on the computers from whichthe system may be accessed unless the user can successfully provideadditional proof of his identity. Such additional proof may includeanswering challenge questions previously created by the user.

Additional features and benefits of the storage and retrieval system ofthe invention will become apparent from the drawings and detaileddescription of the preferred embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic of a multi-user data transfer system;

FIG. 2 is a schematic of the system showing an account user computerlinked to a system computer;

FIG. 3 is a display of a login screen enabling a user to access the datatransfer system;

FIG. 4 is a display of a base or main menu page of the data transfersystem;

FIG. 5 is a display of account information screen for a particular userof the data transfer system;

FIG. 6 is a display of a document transfer function of the data transfersystem;

FIG. 7 is a display of a picture transfer function of the data transfersystem;

FIG. 8 is a display for a music transfer function for the data transfersystem;

FIG. 9 is a display for a scheduler function for the data transfersystem;

FIG. 10 is a display of a reminder function for the data transfersystem;

FIG. 11 is a display of a data entry screen for the reminder function;

FIG. 12 is a display for an email storage function of the data transfersystem;

FIG. 13 is a display of the main screen for a contacts function of thedata transfer system;

FIG. 14 is a display of a data entry screen for the contacts function;

FIG. 15 is a schematic showing an account user and remote user connecteda system computer over the Internet;

FIG. 16 is a display of an account user screen for provision of remoteuser access;

FIG. 17 is a display is a display of a remote user access screen;

FIG. 18 is a display of an alternate multi-user embodiment of the datatransfer system, showing an account administrator's screen;

FIG. 19 is a schematic illustrating a virtual network;

FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the file transfersystem shown in FIGS. 6-8;

FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the reminder systemshown in FIGS. 10-11;

FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the user login andverification program;

FIG. 23 is a display of an alternate multi-user embodiment of the datatransfer system, showing an account administrator's screen;

FIG. 24 is a display of additional account information screen for aparticular user of the data transfer system; and

FIG. 25 is a display showing subusers currently accessing the system andtheir location.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Before discussing exemplary embodiments of the present invention indetail, it will be appreciated that the invention may be embodied in asystem, method, and/or a computer program product. For example, a methodof the invention may be carried out by one or more users usingcomputers, and a program product of the invention may include computerexecutable instructions that when executed by one or more computerscause one or more computers to carry out a method of the invention.Further, one or more computer(s) that contains a program product of theinvention may embody a system of the invention. It will accordingly beappreciated that in describing a particular embodiment of the presentinvention, description of other embodiments may also be made. Forexample, it will be understood that when describing a method of theinvention, a system and/or a program product of the invention maylikewise be described.

Turning now to FIG. 1, a first embodiment of the file backup, storageand retrieval system of the invention is shown. One or more account usercomputers 10 are connected to a system computer 12 over the Internet 14.The account user computer 10 can be any type of computer, includingmobile, home and office computers. The term “computer” is used herein toinclude any device having a processor capable of executing programinstructions, including but not limited to personal computers, notebookcomputers, hand held personal digital assistants (“PDA”) and mobilephones. As used herein the term “account user computer” refers to anycomputer from which an account user can access the Internet 14 andsystem computer 12. As shown in FIG. 2, account user computer 10 has adisplay 16 and at least one data storage device 18, for example, a harddrive. Account user computer 10 may also be attached to a local printer19. Any type of hardware and operating system can be used. Web browsersoftware is required, but any browser can be used provided it has a Javaplug-in. Substantially, all current browsers have Java. Beyond a commonbrowser, no specialized hardware or software need be installed onaccount user computer 10 to fully utilize the features disclosed herein.However, the account user computer 10 may also have standard softwareinstalled on it to enable the account user computer to manipulate thestored data.

Further, the data stored on computer 10 for which backup or storage isdesired can be of any type or format. The present system thereby solvescompatibility problems associated with different brands of computers,which is of particular significance with regard to handheld devices andmobile telephones.

System computer 12 preferably comprises multiple redundant computerswith redundant data storage devices. In a preferred embodiment, systemcomputer 12 comprises a secure, high speed Unix-based computer behind a3-layered firewall system that performs a once a day backup of itself tothree separate backup computers. System computer 12 includes least onestorage device 20 that can store account user data and selectivelyretrieve data applicable to a specific account only. System computer 12also hosts the software that operates the backup, storage and retrievalsystem of the invention. Because all of the software to operate thesystem is resident on the system computer, account users are spared theinconvenience and burden of loading or downloading specialized softwareonto their computers. It follows that all system updates are made onlyto the system computer, thereby sparing the account users for any needto periodically update software.

In order to access system computer 12 from an account user computer 10,the user navigates to a system website 32 via the Internet, e.g.,<vdatacom.com>, <vdataoffice.com>, <vdatanetworks.com>. After reachingthe system website, the account user clicks on a login button, and alogin screen 30 appears on user's display 18, having been generated bysystem computer 12. The user enters his or her user name 34 and password36, and then selects the enter button 38 to transmit this data to thesystem computer 12 for verification. This submission of the login andpassword information can be encrypted using conventional means. Thesystem preferably checks and the IP address of the account user computer10. Other verification means can be used in lieu of or in addition tothe user name and password, for example, the system software can beprogrammed to check and verify the serial numbers of component parts orother encrypted data unique to the system user computer.

Further, the system may include a security system to preventunauthorized access. This security system will lock a user account aftera number of unsuccessful attempts to log on. Further, the IP addressfrom which a user attempts to access the system may be logged each timeaccess is attempted. Such systems, which are well-known in the art,customarily lock out the user after three attempts. After the thirdunsuccessful attempt, the user must contact the system manager to obtaina new password. Father, if the IP address from which the unsuccessfulattempts were made is not an IP address associated with the user'saccount, any further attempts to access the system from this IP addresswill be blocked until the system manager removes the block.

As shown in FIG. 22, account authentication information, typically ausername and password, is submitted at step 400. The identity of theaccount user computer 10 being used may optionally be logged as well.The identity of account user computer 10 is preferably the IP address ofaccount user computer 10, but may also be determined by the other meanssuch as the serial number of the computer.

The submitted password is then compared with password information storedat system computer 12 at step 402. If the username is not recognized atstep 404, the program returns to step 400 and the system again requestsverification information. At step 406 the program checks the user'sentry with the account password. If the entry is incorrect, an errorcounter logs the failed attempt to access the system at step 408. If theuser has not exceeded a maximum number of unsuccessful attemptspermitted by step 410, the program returns to the password entry screen.Otherwise, the program displays an error message at step 412 and locksout the user and the IP addresses of the computers from which theattempts were made. If the identity of account user computer 10 does notmatch the information associated with the account, the log-in fails andthe user receives an error message at step 412.

The system may include an additional level of security once the user'spassword has been authenticated. If the IP address is not one associatedwith the user's account 414, the system may ask the user one or morechallenge questions at step 416 to verify the user's identity. Suchquestions could include the name of a childhood pet, a street the usergrew up on, the user's elementary school, the user's kindergartenteacher, etc. These questions should be easy for the user to remember,but difficult for anyone else to guess. These challenge questionsprevent a thief or other unauthorized user from stealing the user'spassword and then logging in from their own computer. If the challengequestion is answered correctly at step 418, the access protocol iscompleted at step 420. Otherwise, the user's attempts to log on isrejected and the user is returned to step 412.

After the user has successfully passed the challenge questions, thesystem will then ask the user if he wants the IP address of the currentcomputer to be associated with the account. If the user is using acomputer in the business center of a hotel, the user may decline to addthis IP address. This prevents a person looking over the shoulder of theuser from being able to obtain the password and then log in as thisunauthorized user.

When the system computer is successfully accessed from an authorizedmachine, the system initiates a program at step 418 that causes theaccount user computer 10 to recognize the user's account on the systemcomputer 12 as a local storage device. The program of step 418 enablesthe user to open data files directly from the user's account on thesystem computer storage device 20 and to save data files directly to theuser's account on the system computer storage device. This avoidsproblems associated with the creation of a local temporary copy of adata file, including unintentionally saving corrections to the localdrive rather than the system computer storage device. It also eliminatesthe steps of having to first save the file to a local storage device andthen transferring the file to the user's account on the system storagedevice. This feature is highly desirable when local storage is eitherunavailable or it is undesirable to save a file onto the local storagedevice.

Any software applications necessary to utilize files opened from thesystem storage device 12 may be contained on the account user computer10. Alternatively, such applications may be provided over the Internet14 from the system computer 12 or an application service provider (ASP)operatively connected to the Internet. When the user logs out of thesystem, the program sends an instruction to the account user computer 10that the system storage device 20 is no longer available.

Once the user has successfully accessed the system computer 12 bylogging-in, base screen 40 is shown on display 18, as shown in FIG. 4.Base screen 40 optionally includes two different representations of thesystem functions. One representation is a list view 42 of the systemfunctions and the other representation is an icon view 44 of the systemfunctions. Each representation includes one or more of a scheduler link46, a reminder system link 48, a document storage and retrieval systemlink 50, a picture storage and retrieval system link 52, a music storageand retrieval system link 54, a contact storage link 56, an emailstorage link 58, a miscellaneous storage link 60, and an account managerlink 62. A logout link 64 is also provided with the list view 42. Listview 42 preferably appears on every screen display of the system toenable the user to navigate between functions. Clicking any of the abovelinks initiates a routine corresponding to the function associated withthe selected link. The system computer 12 thereby functions as a virtualnetwork server. It allows the user to view and use data from almost anylocation, using nearly any type of computer, including hand held PDAsand mobile telephones. In order to use the system, the user firstestablishes an account using an account manager 70 that is accessedthrough account manager link 62. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 24, an accountmanager link includes a template for entry of account-relatedinformation. Such information includes the account user identification(e.g., a user name 34 or 72 as shown in FIG. 5 and password 36),personal information 74 and billing information 76. Personal information74 includes a name 78, a physical address 80, an electroniccommunication address 82 (e.g., an email address), phone numbers 84.Billing information 76 includes standard credit card informationincluding the credit card number, type, expiration date, the nameappearing on the card, and the card billing address. Further, as shownin FIG. 24, the account user may also add additional optional accountrestrictions 600, such as an authorized computers roster 602 from whichthe user may access the system.

Turning now to FIG. 6, the document storage and retrieval system 90 isaccessed through document storage and retrieval function link 50. Thesystem computer then scans the account user storage device 18, andgenerates a first virtual representation 91 of at least a portion of theaccount user storage device 18. The system also scans the system storagedevice 20 to retrieve previously stored data associated with theapplicable user account, and displays a second virtual representation ofat least a portion of such data. These two representations can bedisplayed on the account user computer display 18 in any manner orsequence, but preferably they are displayed simultaneously, in a singlewindow, side-by-side. The transfer system 90 display also includes atleast one, but preferably plural data transfer buttons 93, 94. To copydata from account user storage device 18 to the system storage device20, the user selects one or more files, folders or directories to betransferred on the first virtual representation 91 and a destinationlocation on the second virtual representation 92, and clicks on a firstfile transfer button 93. To copy a file stored on the system storagedevice 20 to the account user's storage device, the user selects thefiles or folders to be transferred on the second virtual representation92 and a destination location on the first virtual representation 91,and clicks on a second transfer button 94. Preferably, transfer buttons93, 94 include arrows to show the direction of file transfer. Inoperation, the system copies the data from the source to the targetregardless of data file format of file, for example, encrypted fileswill be transferred as is. In an alternative embodiment, a user can copydata by dragging one or more files, folders or directories to betransferred on the first virtual representation 91 and dropping them inthe second virtual representation. Likewise, a user can copy data bydragging one or more files, folders or directories to be transferred onthe second virtual representation 91 and dropping them in the firstvirtual representation

Each virtual representation includes options to create new directories95, rename files 96, delete files 97, or refresh 98 the virtualrepresentations to reflect recent files or directories copied from thestorage device to the other. The user can create a new directory on theaccount user storage device 18 by selecting the directory creationfunction 95. Files or folders on the account user storage device can berenamed by selecting the rename function 96. The new name for the fileor folder is entered at data entry box 99 for the first virtualrepresentation 91. Files or folders can be deleted from the account userstorage device 18 by selecting files or folders on the first virtualrepresentation 91 and selecting the delete option 97. The virtualrepresentations 91 can be refreshed to reflect recently copied files byselecting the refresh option 98.

A saved document can be printed by selecting a saved document and thenclicking print button 106 which sends the document to local printer 19.Similarly, a saved document can be opened by either double-clicking onthe file name or by selecting it and then clicking the open file button108. Assuming software compatible with the selected file type isavailable either from the account user computer 10, the system computer12, or over the Internet from an ASP, the document will then be openedin that program. The user will then be able to modify the data and thendirectly store the updated version on the account user computer storagedevice.

The user can create a new directory on the system storage device 20 byselecting the make directory function 100. Files or folders on thesystem storage device can be renamed by selecting the rename function101. The new name for the file or folder is entered at data entry box104 for the second virtual representation 92. Files or folders can bedeleted from system storage 20 by selecting files or folders on thesecond virtual representation 92 and selecting the delete option 102.The second virtual representation 92 can be refreshed to reflectrecently copied files by selecting the refresh option 103.

Turning now to FIG. 7, picture storage and retrieval system 110 isaccessed by selecting the picture transfer system link 52 from basescreen 40. As with the document storage and retrieval function 52,multimedia storage and retrieval system 110 includes a first virtualrepresentation 112 of the account user storage device 18 and a secondvirtual representation 114 of the account user partition on the systemstorage device 20. The picture storage and retrieval buttons operates inthe same manner as the document storage and retrieval systems asdescribed in reference to feature numbers 91-108 in FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 shows the scheduler 130 that is accessed by selecting schedulerlink 46 from account user screen 40. Scheduler 130 preferably has one ormore monthly calendars 132 and a daily diary 134. The daily diary 134displayed corresponds to the day selected on the monthly calendar, wherethe user can view previously entered appointments and reminders. Thisarea also contains an optional task notepad 136 whereby the user canenter notes or other information.

Once a calendar entry has been entered, the user stores it by selectingthe save button 138. The account user can also print his or her dailydiary by selecting print button 140 or the user can email a dailycalendar by selecting send button 142. Alternatively, the user candownload the daily calendar by selecting download option 144.Preferably, the calendar function is compatible with the account user'smobile computer(s), such as a PDA.

Further, a user may have more than one scheduler 130. For example, auser may have one scheduler for work entries and a second scheduler forpersonal/family entries. Alternately, in an office environment where asingle employee maintains schedules for multiple professionals, theemployee could create a separate scheduler for each professional. In anenvironment with multiple schedulers, an entry may be made on a singlescheduler (e.g. an appointment for a specific professional) or on all ofthe schedulers (e.g. a staff meeting).

The reminder system 150 is shown at FIGS. 10 and 11. It is accessed byselecting the reminder system link 48 from any screen. Reminder screen152 as shown in FIG. 10 provides a list of reminders, including thesubject 153 and an indication of the last time that the reminder wasgenerated 155. The user may also add new reminders by selecting addreminder option 154, or delete an existing reminder using delete option156. Each reminder may be added or deleted individually.

If the user selects the add reminder option 152, an add reminder window160 appears as shown in FIG. 11. Window 160 presents a template thatdirects the user to input a reminder subject 162, a reminder description163, and an initial date 164 of the reminder. The user may also select afrequency 165 that this reminder may be generated. The frequency caneither be a single occasion, or it can be set for any periodicreoccurrence period, including daily, weekly, biweekly, monthly,bimonthly, quarterly, semiannually, annually; or it can be set to occurat specified number of days, months, or years. The reminder functionenables the user to enter data that may not necessarily be in computerform that is of particular importance, for example, scheduled paymentssuch as tax or credit card payments, and appointments that may alreadybe in the scheduler.

The system is programmed to generate an email reminder to the accountuser based on the reminder date 164 and additionally based on thereoccurrence frequency 165 specified. The account user email address ispreferably the account email address 82 described above. The systemcould be modified to accept alternative email addresses, however.Furthermore, other types of reminders could be generated in addition toor in lieu of email. All of the reminder data as well as the softwareare resident in the system computer 12. Accordingly, reminders will notbe affected if the account user computer 10 is damaged and replaced.

Turning now to FIG. 12, an email storage system 170 lists the emailsthat have been saved to the system computer. Email can be saved to thesystem computer 12 by either forwarding selected emails to an emailaddress associated with the system, or by exporting email from theaccount user email program. Saved email list 172 indicates the date thatthe email was originally received, the subject of the email and theoriginal sender. To view a particular email, the user selects thecorresponding view email button 174. To send a particular email to theuser's current email account (as defined by email address 80 entered inthe account manager), the user selects the email send option 176. Todelete an email that is no longer of importance, the user selects thedelete email option 178.

Turning to FIG. 13, the contact manager 180 is shown. Contact managerincludes a contact list 182 where summary contact details are shown.Such summary contact details include the contact's name, email address,and phone numbers. To obtain more detailed information, the user selectsthe hyperlink associated with the entry, which is typically thecontact's name. This screen also displays additional information andnotes regarding the contact. To add a contact, add new contact button184 is selected.

The “Add New” button 184 launches contact adder 190, as shown in FIG.14, which presents a template whereby the user can enter the aforesaidcontact information. Once contact information has been entered, the usercan save this information by selecting the save button 194. Alternately,the user can clear the contact fields by selecting the clear option 196.The close button 198 terminates the contact adder 190 and returns theuser to the contact manager 180.

Preferably, the contact manager is compatible with PDAs and mobiletelephones. Further, it is preferred that the account user computercontact files can be uploaded and stored in the contact manager. Thus,if the account user notebook computer, PDA or mobile phone is lost,damaged or stolen, the account user can log back into the system todownload or view his/her contact data. This is also useful forindividuals that upgrade or otherwise change equipment or serviceproviders. In many cases, the address book from one mobile telephonewill not work with another telephone. PDA handheld devices have the sameproblem; the data cannot be moved from one brand to another brand ofPDA. With the present system the contact data stored in one mobiletelephone or PDA can be transferred to another without compatibilityproblems.

The system also has a third-party data transfer function 210, as shownin FIGS. 15-17. Through this option an account user can use the systemto transfer data to third parties, including files, folders and entiredirectories. Large data files and folders can be easily transmitted thatnormally, due to their size, would be difficult or impossible totransfer electronically. Conventional email programs typically have asize limit on the files that can be transferred, typically between 1 and10 Mb. An extremely large file or folder, for example a multimedia data,may not be transferred easily. In the past such files could only betransferred by saving them on portable media such as a CD-ROM, a flashdrive or ZIP drive and sending the media to the third-party.

The basic arrangement for third party data transfer is shown in FIG. 15wherein a file on account user computer 10 can be transferred to athird-party computer 22. To transfer data, the account user navigates toa remote user information screen 220 (FIG. 17) and creates a third-partyidentification, e.g., a user name 224 and password 226 for thethird-party user. Preferably, the user name 224 is the email address ofthe third-party user. If the account user does not wish to create apassword for the third-party user, the system may randomly generatepasswords 226 for third-party users.

A user can create multiple third-party users with limited access to themain account in this manner. Further, these passwords can be changed orrevoked at any time. Once created, the account user then uploads theselected files to the system computer 12 in a manner similar to thatdescribed above in reference to document transfer. The files are copiedto a storage device on system computer 12. The account user can save 228or delete 230 files as desired. The account user then informs the thirdparty of the web address of the system computer, and the third partyuser name and password, e.g., by telephone or email.

If the third-party user has his own account or sub-account on thesystem, the files may be copied to the third-party's own third-partyfiles folder. The system determines whether a third-party user is asystem account user by comparing the email address for the proposedthird-party account with email addresses associated with accounts on thesystem.

If the third-party user is not an existing system account user, thethird-party user will navigate to the system website as shown in FIG.17, where a Remote User login page 210 is located. The third-party canthen login to the system computer to access and download the designateddata 220. Preferably, the third-party user's access is limited to beingable to download only the data specifically designated for transfer tothe particular third-party by the account user. The third-party user maysee only a display 210 with a single folder 212, as in FIG. 16, or thethird-party user may see a display similar to the main menu page (FIG.4) where all folders other than the third-party data folder are shown asinaccessible. In addition, the third-party may be provided an option toupload files to the system for access by the account user. Thethird-party need not be an account user. Again, because all software isresident on the system computer, there is no need for third party toinstall or use any special hardware or software beyond a conventionalweb browser.

Turning now to FIG. 25, the remote feature includes a display 700indicating when a list of third-party users 702 is logged in, thelocations 704 from which each user accessed the system 704, and the time706 that each remote user logged on. The remote feature also contains amechanism for the primary account user to revoke or change remote userpasswords.

FIG. 18 shows an alternate embodiment, particularly suited for businessapplications. In this system 240, a user account is divided into aplurality of sub-accounts. Preferably, a primary user controls therespective properties of each sub-account. The primary user, who may bea business owner or office manager rather than an IT professional, mayset up the account so that the levels of access for the sub-accountusers may vary.

Each account may have shared files that are equally accessible to theprimary user and the subaccount users, unless the access of thesubaccount users has been restricted by the primary user. Similarly,each subaccount user will have personal subaccount files that are onlyaccessible by the primary user and that subaccount user. The primaryuser may set different types of access (read only, save only,delete-and-change) to groups or types of files for each subaccount user.For example, a sub-account user may only be able to see his/her ownfiles on the system computer. The sub-account user may also be limitedin that he/she can only save files to the system computer but cannotaccess or download files from the system computer. Another user may beable to download and upload files but cannot delete any files. Anotheruser may only be able to upload files with no other features allowed.

FIG. 23 shows an alternate account management display 500 for amulti-user version of the system. A subuser may be added by selectingthe add user routine 502, and deleted by selecting the delete userroutine 504. Selecting the add user function 502, takes the user to atruncated account display similar to FIG. 4. After adding the basicaccount information for a subuser 506, such as the name of the subuser,the administrator grants file permissions through a single entry of aninput device, such as a mouse click, on the desired features, using thefile rights buttons 510. A subuser may be granted the ability to deleteexisting files 512, read only existing files 514 or add new files 516. Asubuser may also be restricted as to where he may access the systemfrom, as his access may be limited to certain computers 518 (asdetermined by IP addresses or other indicia of specific computers) ormay be given unlimited access capabilities 520.

Further the user may be given access to some or all types of files. Thisis accomplished by using a graphic interface where a feature may beselected or deselected by a mouse click when a certain type of filerights is selected. In addition, the administrator may change thepermissions associated with a subuser at any time. For example, asubuser's right to delete files can be disabled if the subuser is anemployee who is about to be terminated. These functions are operatedwith a single click of a mouse button by a system administrator. Thereis no need to call a technician. All sub-account files can be accessedby the system administrator, whereas to the individual user, his accesswill appear similar to that of the previous embodiment shown in FIGS.1-14. The system administrator will see an array of folders with eachuser having his own set of folders. However, the system administratorwill also have access to a master scheduler 530 whereby he/she cancreate appointments or reminders that appear on the calendars 532, 534,etc. of all of the sub-account users.

FIG. 19 shows a schematic representation of a virtual server system 260for a plural location business. The virtual server system comprisesplural account user locations 262, a mobile personal data assistant 264,a mobile notebook computer 266, and a mobile telephone 268. Eachlocation 262 has multiple computers.

The user of each computer including the mobile units 264, 266, 268 arepreferably assigned a sub-account. The sub-account user computers may belinked in any manner to the Internet 14. The sub-account user computersmay also have individual Internet connections. Preferably each location262 has a high speed Internet backbone. As with previous embodiments, asystem computer 12 is operatively connected to the Internet 14. In thisembodiment, it is not necessary for the locations 262 to have a localfile server and related hardware. The system computer 12 functions as avirtual server for all locations as well as the mobile units. Thereby,the account user business can substantially reduce computer equipmentand maintenance costs. Further, if the system server is operated andmaintained by a third party, as contemplated, the overall savings to theaccount user business can be substantial. This is of particular value tostart up businesses that lack the capital to purchase and maintain alocal area computer network, businesses with multiple locations, andbusinesses where employees are frequently away from the office, e.g.,salesmen.

Turning now to FIG. 20, a flow chart for method and computer programembodiments of the data storage and retrieval systems is provided. Whena file transfer system option is selected, see FIG. 6, the program firstscans the system computer storage device 20 at step 280 locating datafiles and folders associated with the account user. At step 282, theprogram scans the account user's computer storage device 18 at step 282.After completion of these two steps, the program displays on the accountuser's computer display a first representation of at least a portion ofthe user computer storage device 91 and a second representation of atleast a portion of the data files and folders associated with the user'saccount of the system computer 92 (as shown in FIG. 6). The program thenwaits for a user action at step 284.

When the user initiates an action, for example, by pressing one ofbuttons 93-103, the computer evaluates which action has been requestedat step 286. At step 288, the program determines whether a file transferaction has been requested (i.e., has the user pressed button 93 or 94).If the user selected a different option, the system proceeds to step290, performs the requested action (make a new directory, delete a file,etc.) and returns to step 280.

If a file transfer option is selected, the process then proceeds to step292, which determines which computer is the originating computer for therequested file transfer. If the user computer is the originatingcomputer then the selected files are copied from at least one storagedevice 18 on the user's computer 10 to the destination location of thestorage device 20 on the system computer 12 as shown at step 294. If thesystem computer is the originating computer then the selected files arecopied from the storage device 20 on the system computer 12 to thedestination location on the storage device on the account user computer12 as shown at step 296. After either step 294 or step 296, the programcycles back to step 280.

FIG. 21 shows a method of operation for a computer program embodiment ofthe system reminder function. At step 300, the program checks thecurrent time as determined by a system clock incorporated into systemcomputer 12. At step 302, the program compares all appointments with thecurrent time. At step 304, the program determines if it is time to sendany reminders by looking for matches between the current time and thetimes associated with appointments entered by users into the system. Ifthere are no matches, then the system cycles back to step 300. If amatch is found, the system sends and email reminder 306 to the emailaddress stored in the account setup. The system then checks to see ifthe reminder was designed by the user to be a recurring reminder at step308. If the reminder is a recurring reminder, the system then calculatesthe next occurrence of the appointment by adding frequency 165, andschedules a new reminder.

While a particular embodiment of the file storage and retrieval systemhas been described herein, it will be appreciated by those skilled inthe art that changes and modifications may be made thereto withoutdeparting from the invention in its broader aspects and as set forth inthe following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A data storage system comprising: a systemcomputer having a processor coupled to a memory; a virtual server on anetwork adapted to manage a plurality of user accounts, each useraccount including one or more user files; a user computer operativelyconnected to the network and including a display and a storage device;the virtual server adapted to verify user access information receivedfrom the user computer for a particular user account; the virtual servertransferring over the network information relating to the user filesstored on the virtual server in the particular user account to the usercomputer wherein the information is transferred directly to anddisplayed in a web browser; the virtual server being further adapted totransfer files associated with the particular user account to and fromthe storage device of the user computer; the virtual server allowing aplurality of sub-accounts to be associated with one or more of the useraccounts; and the virtual server maintaining file rights permissionswith a level of access for user accounts of the sub-accounts.
 2. Thedata storage system of claim 1 wherein each user account has a primaryaccount user and a plurality of subaccounts, each of the subaccountshaving file rights controlled access to subaccount files stored on thesystem storage device and each of the subaccounts having file rightscontrolled access to shared account files stored on the system storagedevice.
 3. The data storage system of claim 2 wherein the primaryaccount user determines the file rights controlled access level for eachsubaccount.
 4. The data storage system of claim 1 wherein the virtualserver can transfer contents of user accounts to at least one auxiliarystorage location.
 5. The data storage system of claim 1 wherein thevirtual server transfers contents of user accounts to the auxiliarystorage location periodically.
 6. The data storage system of claim 1wherein the user computer can display the information and theinformation is a list of files stored on the virtual server in theparticular user account.
 7. The data storage system of claim 1 whereinthe virtual server further comprises a web server and the network is theInternet.
 8. The data storage system of claim 1, wherein the virtualserver is further adapted to cause an icon view of system functions ofthe virtual server to be displayed in a browser window on the usercomputer.
 9. The data storage system of claim 8, wherein the icon viewof system functions of the virtual server to be displayed on the usercomputer includes at least one of a scheduler link, a contact storagelink, a document transfer link and an account manager link.
 10. The datastorage system of claim 8, wherein the icon view of system functions ofthe virtual server to be displayed on the user computer includes ascheduler link, a contact storage link, a document transfer link and anaccount manager link.
 11. A data storage system for storing data filesfor a plurality of accounts, comprising: an account user computeroperatively connected to a network and including a display and a storagedevice; and a virtual server with a system storage device operativelyconnected to the network, the virtual server being adapted to verifyaccount user information for each account user computer seeking toaccess associated account files stored on the virtual server and todisplay in a web browser of the account user computer a list ofassociated account files stored on the virtual server; wherein theassociated personal account files stored on the virtual server systemstorage device can be opened and modified solely using the web browserof the account user computer; the virtual server allowing a plurality ofsub-accounts to be associated with one or more of the accounts; and thevirtual server maintaining file rights permissions with a level ofaccess for accounts of the sub-accounts.
 12. The data storage system ofclaim 11 wherein the modified file is saved to the virtual server systemstorage device.
 13. The data storage system of claim 11 wherein theaccount user computer is a mobile device.
 14. The data storage system ofclaim 11 wherein each user account has a primary account and a pluralityof subaccounts, each of the subaccounts having file rights controlledaccess to subaccount files stored on the system storage device and eachof the subaccounts having file rights controlled access to sharedaccount files stored on the system storage device.
 15. The data storagesystem of claim 14 wherein the file rights controlled access includeslimiting subaccount access to only certain file types.
 16. The datastorage system of claim 14 wherein the file rights controlled accessincludes prohibiting the subaccount user's ability to delete files. 17.The data storage system of claim 14 wherein the subaccount is onlyaccessible from a computer with a specified IP address.
 18. A computerprogram product comprising computer executable instructions storedexclusively on a non-transitory computer readable medium on a virtualserver comprising: checking for an operative connection between thevirtual server and the Internet, and if the virtual server isoperatively connected; linking the virtual server with an account usercomputer having a storage device after verification of an account useridentification; identifying the contents of data files and directoriesof a storage device on the virtual server associated with the accountuser identification; displaying data files and directories stored on thevirtual server associated with the account user identification solelyusing a web browser on the linked account user computer display; openingselected data files stored on the virtual server storage device for theverified account; modifying the selected data files stored on thevirtual server storage device for the verified account; and saving thevirtual server files stored on the system computer storage device forthe verified account; the virtual server allowing a plurality ofsub-accounts to be associated with one or more of the verified accounts;and the virtual server maintaining file rights permissions with a levelof access for verified accounts of the sub-accounts.